Unable to Load NTKERN.VXD After Reinstalling Windows 95

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

20000305: Unable to Load NTKERN.VXD After Reinstalling Windows 95

March/2000
Tech Note #5

Previously, in Reinstalling Windows 95 - Important Issues December/1998 Tech Note #3, it was noted that re-installing Windows 9x sometimes is more trouble than it's worth. One of the examples given was, after reinstalling Windows 95 on a couple systems, the boot process was interrupted by an error "unable to load a driver specified in SYSTEM.INI c:\windows\system\vmm32\ntkern.vxd ... the file is missing or damaged ... press any key to continue" The system would boot, but this error message occurred at every reboot. And oddly enough, "ntkern.vxd" was not specified in SYSTEM.INI!

The emphasis of the previous tech note was that re-installation of Windows 9x generally requires the re-installation of all previously-installed service packs, updates, patches, and optional components. Although following that advice will fix this problem, I neglected to specifically mention what this particular error was caused by.

The ntkern.vxd file is installed by the USB Supplement. To eliminate this error, reinstall the supplement.

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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2001 June 9

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